Week 2 of the NBA season wraps up with an undefeated team getting handed their first loss, and a winless team grabbing their first victory. The fast-paced NBA season is just about in full gear as Lakers Nation takes another crack at its version of the NBA Power Rankings.
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1. Golden State Warriors (5-1) – While the Warriors lost to the Suns, they were extremely competitive. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson continue to carry the team with David Lee battling injuries.
2. Memphis Grizzlies (6-1) – It’s back to the basics in Memphis. Hard-nosed defense and interior scoring are the recipe for success for the Grizzles.
3. Houston Rockets (6-1) – A heavy dose of James Harden has overwhelmed everyone but the Warriors thus far. Efficient three-point shooting and a respectable effort from Dwight Howard have propelled the Rockets to a great start.
4. San Antonio Spurs (2-3) – The reigning champions have done nothing to display signs of set-backs. The older Spurs players like Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobli have seen their minutes monitored heavily early in the season.
5. Los Angeles Clippers (4-2) – The Clippers are becoming a complete team. A couple of losses to the Kings and Warriors did not linger as the Clips were able to knock off a talented Blazers squad.
6. Portland Trail Blazers (4-3) – LaMarcus Aldridge is arguably the best power forward playing right now. The Blazers are forming their identity and will be tough all year long.
7. Miami Heat (5-2) – No LeBron, no problem so far. The Heat led by Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade look poised and have a deep bench.
8. Phoenix Suns (4-3) – Great three point shooting and 48 minutes of productive point guard play make the Suns a threat every night.
9. Toronto Raptors (6-1) – The Raptors are hot having won four straight. Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, and Terrence Ross are a terrific trio in the East.
10. Chicago Bulls (5-2) – The health of Derrick Rose will determine how far the Bulls will go and along with this ranking on a weekly basis. Jimmy Butler has stepped up and the team’s frontcourt is the best in the Eastern Conference.
11. Sacramento kings (5-2) – The Kings look like the surprise team this year in the West. They sport an exciting team lead by DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay.
12. Washington Wizards (5-2) – Nobody realized the immediate impact Paul Pierce would have on the Wizards. He gives the team toughness and consistent scoring. John Wall is playing exceptional. Look for this team to move up the rankings in weeks to come.
13. New Orleans Pelicans (3-2) – Anthony Davis is the real deal and he has a talented bunch around him. The Pelicans will remain playing at a high level all year.
14. Dallas Mavericks (4-3) – The Mavs will have to play defense in order to be considered a contender in the West. Their talent, however, cannot be denied.
15. Cleveland Cavaliers (2-3) – It is no secret that this is arguably the most talented team in the league. Once everyone is on the same page, LeBron and company will be dangerous.
16. Brooklyn Nets (4-2) – Deron Williams has responded to the negative criticism in a positive way. The Nets are at their best when he and Joe Johnson are firing on all cylinders.
17. Boston Celtics (3-3) – Unfortunately, another number one draft pick went down this week. Marcus Smart will miss 2-3 weeks with a sprained ankle. Rajon Rondo will continue to carry the load for the Celtics as they try to establish themselves as a playoff team.
18. Charlotte Hornets (3-4) – Al Jefferson is playing great and while they just lost to the Lakers Sunday night, the Hornets are a scrappy team, hungry for wins.
19. Milwaukee Bucks (3-4) – This team is attempting to find an identity while playing competitive basketball. Larry Sanders gives the team toughness and an interior presence defensively.
20. Los Angeles Lakers (1-5) – The Lakers’ five losses were against top ten Western Conference foes. Kobe’s bunch is more talented than most people think and are coming off of a decisive win.
21. Atlanta Hawks (2-3) – Al Horford’s team would have liked to had a better start to the season. They will need to find a consistent go-to-guy other than Al moving forward.
22. Utah Jazz (3-4) – Utah has been a surprise in the first two weeks. An impressive win over Cleveland could be an omen of things to come for this young squad.
23. Detroit Pistons (2-4) – The Pistons are one of the most talented teams in the East. They will look to turn things around in order to climb the rankings.
24. New York Knicks (2-5) – Carmelo is not getting a lot of help, but is getting the bulk of the blame. The Knicks have a long way to go before they get back on track.
25.Minnesota Timberwolves (2-4) – Losing Ricky Rubio hurts this young club significantly. However, The Wolves will surprise teams with a slue of athletic talent.
26. Oklahoma City Thunder (2-5) – While Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant recover from injuries, Reggie Jackson will have plenty of opportunity to audition for next year’s free-agency.
27. Orlando Magic 2-5) – The future of the NBA resides in Orlando. This team possesses a few potential stars in years to come.
28.Indiana Pacers (1-6) – It is hard to recover when your team is missing its two top players. The Pacers will hover around this end of the Power Rankings until Paul George and David West are healthy.
29. Denver Nuggets (1-5) – Ty Lawson can only do so much. This team will struggle without a legitimate first option in the scoring department.
30. Philadelphia 76ers (0-7) – This team will fight for every win they get this season. They will make themselves known on SportCenter with an extremely athletic and high-flying team.
[divide]Lakers Post-Game: Jeremy Lin After The Lakers First Win
